Graphic Design BA(Hons)

Year 1

Year 1 introduces you to the basic concepts of visual communication in graphic design. Through a series of studio-based projects and workshops in computing, letterpress, photography and book arts, you will begin to develop your own visual language.

Modules

• Introduction to Graphic Design

  This module provides an introduction to the key concepts and practices of graphic design.

  You will be introduced to the history, cultural contexts, approaches, practices and techniques that inform graphic design. You will explore creativity and design approaches through experimentation, and you will be asked to critically reflect on your practice through guided and independent study.

• Investigation and Application of Graphic Design

  Graphic Design is a diverse and changing practice that uses many approaches to engage with audiences. This module introduces you to working methods, professional practices and techniques.

  You will explore a range of technical skills and investigate new approaches, combine existing techniques and explore traditional methods to develop innovative outputs

• Media, Messages and Meaning in Graphic Design

  In this module you will examine, define and apply concepts, practices and debates that inform graphic design

  Experimenting with media, contexts, techniques and processes will enable you to explore – and apply into practice – the theoretical concepts, and contemporary and historical approaches that have been used to communicate messages and meaning.

  You will also critically reflect on the ongoing debate and reformulation of graphic design as a subject area.

• Developing a Graphic Design Language

  In this module you will explore graphic design and your relationship to it through an independent project.

  You'll consider different areas and approaches to graphic design professional practice and the development of an independent design language. As you begin to identify and position your practice you will be able to experiment with concepts, define approaches, and reflect on contemporary debates and ethical considerations with an analysis of contemporary practice.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, you’ll be told about any new developments through Student View.

Hear 2017 graduate Shane Sayers discuss his experience of studying Graphic Design at Brighton

Year 2

Year 2 introduces the key concepts of sequential communication with a focus on self-initiated, collaborative, experimental and independent ways of working. You will also begin to explore the creative industries via a personal and professional development programme. In years 2 and 3 you will attend a weekly professional practice lecture by guest speakers working within the industry. During your second year you can also take one module from a different course or discipline within the university to broaden your creative horizons and inform your work.

Modules 

• Graphic Design: Audiences and Contexts
• Contemporary Graphic Design Practice
• Developing Independent Practice in Graphic Design
• Option module*

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Final year

In year 3 you build upon the creative and analytical abilities you have developed. Teaching encourages greater personal development as you move towards a more self-directed programme of study. You will work on set, with self-initiated projects and live industry projects, while establishing professional practice links.

Modules

• Articulation of Graphic Design 1 and 2
• Independent Practice in Graphic Design.

This mobile printing machine was designed by Chloe Legret in her third year – it is designed to both embody and fuel design. Local arts organisations have access to the machine.

Facilities

• Spacious studios
• Central media centre with computing facilities specific to the needs of designers and illustrators
• Technical staff are on hand to assist you in the workshops. 
• Dedicated technical workshops in letterpress printing and book arts 
• Central media centre with computing facilities specific to the needs of designers and illustrators 
• Book arts workshop (dedicated technician).
• Techhub featuring laser cutting, plasma cutting, CNC 3-axis milling, CNC routing, 3D body scanning, portable 3D scanning and rapid prototyping. 
• Department print bureau
• We have one of the country's best-stocked art and design libraries  
• Internationally important Design Archives with a wealth of graphic design and illustration material.

Meet the team

Staff who teach on the course include:

• Eloise Parrack – course leader
• Gavin Ambrose
• Andrew Walsh-Lister
• Chris Bigg
• Siobhan Keaney
• Martin Andersen
• Simon Emery
• Allyson Waller
• Katie Evans
• Gavin Fry.

Student view 

Ciaran Birch, 2019 graduate

"Studying at Brighton has been full of change for me. My work ethic has changed dramatically and I feel so much more motivated in the work that I complete. The tutors have always been there to offer guidance or expertise. Sometimes criticism was harsh but this was just what I needed; it has definitely enabled me to evaluate my work more efficiently and question my methods."

Jane Englefield, 2019 graduate

"I feel lucky that Brighton encourages continuous personal exploration in order to understand your individual identity as a practitioner, as this can be a complex and often overwhelming area to attempt to unravel. As I leave university, certainly, I consider mine to be a work in progress, and am excited to see how me and all of my course mates evolve."

Tiago Matthius, 2019 graduate

"I’ve had a great time in Brighton, the course really allowed me to try new things and really push me as a designer; through the years I realised that what I enjoyed doing was video and the tutors where really supportive and always very helpful. The nature of the course allows you to try new things which was great for someone like me that enjoys to do many things in the world of design."

Final year work by Ciaran Birch

International requirements and visas

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visas and immigration advice

Portfolio advice 

Online portfolio

We ask to see an online portfolio of 15–20 images. We are looking for evidence of ideas in any format (sketchbooks, layout books etc), backed up by a broad range of skills showing how you generate and develop ideas, and that you are passionate and inquisitive about the subject.

• Typography in all its forms, for example, expressive, applied, kinetic.
• Photography – inventive, creative and applied.
• Type and image – be imaginative, bold and creative.
• Think invention, imagination, expression, exploration.
• Do not include life drawing, unless it is part of a project.

We are not looking for highly finished work. The portfolio, ideally in chronological order, should show a broad range of work both successful and unsuccessful.

Find out more about how to create and submit your portfolio.

Course fees

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2022–23.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

Campus where this course is taught

Accommodation

Local area

Maps

Sport at Brighton